If you’ve noticed that your cat has been sleeping more than usual, it’s important to figure out why. There could be many reasons for this behavior, some of which are serious and need to be addressed by a veterinarian, while others may be simple and have no cause for concern. This article will discuss some of the most common reasons why your cat is sleeping more than normal to help you get a better idea of why. Taking time to understand the underlying cause of your cat’s actions can help you ensure that they stay happy and healthy.
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How Much Should A Cat Be Sleeping?
Many people believe cats are undoubtedly the sleepiest creatures, but this is a bit of a misconception. Contrary to popular belief, a healthy adult cat should typically only spend between 12-16 hours sleeping a day, leaving the rest of their 16-20 waking hours active and alert. However, this varies with age and activity level; for example, kittens require more daytime sleep than adults. Active cats take short but frequent naps throughout the day to keep up with their energy demands.
Therefore, if you notice your pet sleeping exceptionally long, it may be a cause for concern. By being aware of what is typical for your cat’s sleeping habits and noticing any changes, you can better understand the possible reason.
Reasons Your Cat Is Sleeping More Than Normal
While sleep is essential for humans and animals alike to get rest and recharge, if it’s excessive, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue that you need to address. The most common reasons why cats are sleeping more than usual include the following:
Excessive Stress
Cats are creatures of habit and thrive on routine, so when any changes disrupt their normal day-to-day lives, it can cause them stress. Excessive stress can manifest itself in various ways in cats, one of which is an increase in sleep. This is especially true if the cat’s stressor isn’t easily identifiable or resolved quickly; the cat may feel overwhelmed and seek refuge in a longer nap cycle to avoid its anxious state.
If your cat seems to be sleeping more than usual, assess your surroundings and identify any potential sources of stress. Prolonged exposure to loud noises, lack of privacy and physical contact with humans or other animals, and even changes to their favorite place could all lead them to apathy or excessive sleepiness.
Lack Of Nutrition
It’s crucial to ensure your beloved cat receives the essential nutrition that their body needs for them to feel their best. A lack of nutrition could cause a cat to sleep more extended periods than what is deemed suitable for the breed and age of your particular fur baby. If your cat is not receiving the proper levels of vitamins, minerals, and fats, they may become lethargic and sleep much more than usual—this happens in both cats and humans.
Ensuring that you’re feeding your furry pal with food rich in taurine, omega fatty acids, and other vital nutritional elements is critical to keeping their energy levels up. And if you feel like they could be suffering from a bout of malnutrition, don’t hesitate to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any medical concerns.
Bacterial Infection
While it may seem counterintuitive, your beloved cat sleeping more than usual could signify a bacterial infection. Bacterial infections can take many forms, from skin irritations to urinary tract infections, and all can leave your cat exhausted and needing extra rest. If you notice your cat needs more than the usual afternoon nap or is sleeping for extended periods during times that wouldn’t usually trigger fatigue, then it might be time to check in with your vet.
While plenty of other illnesses cause excessive drowsiness in cats, you should not overlook a bacterial infection as a potential cause. Taking proactive steps to identify and treat the problem quickly may ensure that your furry friend gets back on their feet sooner rather than later.
Diabetes
Diabetes is becoming more and more common among cats, and while it may look like an innocent increase in sleep, it could be the first sign of a potentially severe condition. Like humans with diabetes, cats rely on diet, exercise, and insulin to maintain normal glucose levels. If your cat is sleeping more than usual, it could indicate their glucose levels are off balance. Sometimes, it takes a few adjustments to get things back on track.
Suppose you notice unusual changes in your cat’s behavior or energy level along with extended naps. In that case, you should visit your veterinarian for a full check-up as soon as possible. Don’t wait too long – early detection and treatment could make all the difference when managing diabetes in cats.
Depression
Depression can take many forms and is not limited to humans. Animals, including cats, can also suffer from this condition. If your normally active and alert cat is sleeping far more than usual, this could indicate their mental health is struggling. While it might be easy to brush the issue under the carpet with an innocent ‘they’re just sleeping’, the cause may be due to many things related to their mental state.
Causes can include changes in environment or diet, lack of attention or boredom at home, and even feeling neglected – feelings that are all too familiar for many humans dealing with depression. Taking steps to address these issues, such as playtime or sessions of cuddles, can help get your furry friend back in high spirits; watching out for signs and symptoms early on could prevent dire consequences.
Physical Pain
Animals hide their pain, and one way they do this is by sleeping more than usual to avoid painful activities such as jumping or playing. There are specialized tools available that help owners effectively gauge their pet’s pain levels along with an observation of abnormal lifestyle changes. Things like reluctance to move, difficulty walking or jumping, and excessive grooming in certain areas could all signify physical discomfort.
If your cat appears to be sleeping more often and for extended periods, there could be an underlying physical issue to blame. Don’t overlook the possibility of injury or illness, and don’t hesitate to visit your veterinarian if you have any concerns. With early diagnosis and treatment, your cat will be back up and running in no time!
Be Mindful Of Why Your Cat Is Sleeping More Than Normal!
It’s not uncommon for cats to take afternoon naps or sleep for extended periods. However, if your cat is sleeping more than usual and their behavior has changed, it might be time to check in with your veterinarian. While there can be many causes of excessive sleepiness, some of the most common include the topics listed above. And as a pet parent, it’s essential to be vigilant and take proper steps to ensure that your furry friend is healthy and happy.